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Inglis unconcerned by Cowboys defeat

Ian McCullough

Greg Inglis insists South Sydney's defeat by North Queensland on Saturday isn't cause for concern and claims the Rabbitohs' tough final two games of the season are perfect preparation for the NRL finals.

After five successive victories Souths were brought crashing down to earth by the Johnathan Thurston-inspired Cowboys who chalked up a surprise 22-10 win at ANZ Stadium.

A win over Paul Green's side would have seen the Rabbitohs move to the top of the ladder following Manly's loss to Parramatta on Friday.

Michael Maguire's men now face fifth-placed Canterbury on Thursday before taking on in-form Sydney Roosters in round 26.

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Defeats in both could potentially see the Rabbitohs drop out of the top-four.

However, Inglis said there's no sense of panic as the club look to end a 43-year premiership drought.

"I wouldn't say it was a wake-up call, but anyone can be beaten on the day and we didn't turn up to play," Inglis told AAP.

"The simple matter is they played better than us. The last two games are going to be hard but we've just got to concentrate on the Dogs.

"They've been in the finals so many times before and we have prepared as well as we can for them."

The NRL ladder is the tightest it has been for many years with 11 teams still in with a shout of playing finals football later this month.

Souths have already booked their spot and Inglis said there is no way they can ease off the pedal at this stage of the season.

"When you look at the table there is not much in it, we still have a big job to do," he said.

"It's a short turnaround for the Bulldogs game but we have done that before and won and we can do it again.

"But only if we prepare well and do our jobs. But you expect tough games at this time of year and it will do us good heading to the finals."

The Rabbitohs have been boosted by news halfback Adam Reynolds has been given the all clear following a hamstring injury and will be free to face the Bulldogs.

Star prop George Burgess is also back following his two-match suspension for a chicken wing tackle but he said the loss to the Cowboys had nothing to do with the team not being allowed to wrestle in the forwards battle.

Souths have come under-fire for their defensive tactics in recent weeks with five players being placed on report in two games but George Burgess said they do nothing different to other teams.

"I don't think teams can stop us from wrestling, it's the way the game goes," he said.

"There are moments in a game that can win or lose you the match. It can come down to not kicking well, not completing sets and getting repeats.

"The wrestle is important to every team, it's part of the game but it's not the be all and end all."